Power transmission apparatus

ABSTRACT

A power transmission apparatus includes a wireless power transmission unit that performs a power transmission process, a wireless communication unit that performs a data transfer process, and a control unit that determines whether or not an external apparatus entered in a predetermined range is an apparatus which has left the predetermined range during the data transfer process, and controls the power transmission process and the data transfer process based on whether the external apparatus entered in the predetermined range is the apparatus which has left the predetermined range during the data transfer process.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a powertransmission apparatus capable of wireless communication and wirelesspower transmission, and a method of controlling a wireless communicationand a wireless power transmission.

Description of the Related Art

Wireless power transmission systems that use an electromagnetic fieldresonance phenomenon or an electromagnetic induction phenomenon totransmit power wirelessly are known. There are those that have awireless communication function in power transmission apparatuses thatperform a wireless power transmission (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.2007-325339). In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-325339, a method ofdetermining whether or not an external communication apparatus is anapparatus that can perform both wireless power transmission and wirelesscommunication is recited.

There are cases in which it is better to perform either wireless powertransmission or wireless communication preferentially depending on thestate of a power receiving apparatus or the like, even if a powertransmission apparatus can perform both wireless power transmission andwireless communication. However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.2007-325339, such control is not considered.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present invention, a power transmissionapparatus enables to control wireless power transmission and wirelesscommunication.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method enables tocontrol wireless power transmission and wireless communication.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided apower transmission apparatus comprising: a wireless power transmissionunit that performs a power transmission process; a wirelesscommunication unit that performs a data transfer process; and a controlunit that (a) determines whether or not an external apparatus entered ina predetermined range is an apparatus which has left the predeterminedrange during the data transfer process, and (b) controls the powertransmission process and the data transfer process based on whether theexternal apparatus entered in the predetermined range is the apparatuswhich has left the predetermined range during the data transfer process.

Further features and aspects of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view for illustrating an example of a configuration of awireless power transmission system in a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for illustrating an example of components thata power transmission apparatus 100 comprises and an example ofcomponents that an electronic device 200 comprises.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for illustrating a procedure to be performed inthe power transmission apparatus 100.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are a flowchart for illustrating a process to beperformed when the power transmission apparatus 100 detects the samedevice.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are a flowchart for illustrating a process to beperformed when the power transmission apparatus 100 detects anotherdevice.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating a procedure to be performed to beperformed in the electronic device 200.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the present inventionwill be described below with reference to the drawings. However, aspectsof the present invention are not limited to the following embodiments.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a view for illustrating an example of a configuration of awireless power transmission system in a first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wireless power transmission system in thefirst embodiment includes a power transmission apparatus 100 and anelectronic device 200. The power transmission apparatus 100 can operateas a power supply apparatus to supply power to the electronic device 200wirelessly. The electronic device 200 can operate as a power receivingapparatus to perform a power reception process for receiving thetransmitted power from the power transmission apparatus 100.

The power transmission apparatus 100, for example, can operate as areader/writer apparatus of an NFC (Near Field Communication)specification. The power transmission apparatus 100 includes functionsfor performing close proximity wireless communication (for example, anNFC standard), the wireless communication conforming to a wireless LANstandard, and a function for transmitting power wirelessly. In addition,the power transmission apparatus 100 can detect whether or not theelectronic device 200, which is an external apparatus, exists in apredetermined range from the power transmission apparatus 100 by adevice detection unit 116. Thereby, the power transmission apparatus 100can detect that the electronic device 200 approaches the powertransmission apparatus 100 by the device detection unit 116.

The electronic device 200 may be an image capture apparatus such as asmart phone, a digital camera, a cellular phone with a camera and adigital video camera, or the like. The electronic device 200 may also bea playback apparatus that performs a playback of audio data or imagedata. The electronic device 200 may also be a driving apparatus such asa car. The electronic device 200 may also be an electronic device thatis operated by power supplied from the power transmission apparatus 100if a battery is not connected to the electronic device 200. Theelectronic device 200 includes functions for performing close proximitywireless communication (for example, an NFC standard), wirelesscommunication conforming to a wireless LAN standard, and a function forpower reception for receiving power transmitted wirelessly.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for illustrating an example of components thatthe power transmission apparatus 100 comprises and an example ofcomponents that the electronic device 200 comprises in the firstembodiment.

In the power transmission apparatus 100, an oscillator 101 is driven bypower supplied via a converting unit 111 from an external power source,and oscillates at an oscillation frequency used to control a powertransmission circuit 102. Note that a crystal oscillator, for example,is used in the oscillator 101. The power transmission circuit 102generates power to supply to the electronic device 200 via an antenna108 in accordance with power supplied from the converting unit 111 andthe oscillation output of the oscillator 101. The power transmissioncircuit 102 generates power to supply to the electronic device 200 bycontrolling the current flowing between the terminals of a source and adrain by causing a gate voltage of a FET in the power transmissioncircuit 102 to change in accordance with oscillation frequency of theoscillator 101. The power generated by the power transmission circuit102 is supplied to a matching circuit 103. The power transmissioncircuit 102, by controlling the gate voltage of the FET in the powertransmission circuit 102, can change and stop power outputted from theFET.

The matching circuit 103 includes a resonance circuit for resonating ata resonance frequency f by the antenna 108 and a capacitance inaccordance with the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 101. Note,the resonance frequency f may be 50/60 Hz, which are commercialfrequencies, and may be 10 through several hundred kHz, and may be afrequency around 10 MHz. The oscillation frequency of the oscillator 101is in a state set to the resonance frequency f, and power generated bythe power transmission circuit 102 is supplied to the antenna 108 viathe matching circuit 103. A close proximity wireless communication unit104 is a hardware block configured by a communication processing circuitfor performing close proximity wireless communication and an antenna. Inthe first embodiment, the communication process conforming to the NFCstandard is performed in the close proximity wireless communication unit104. Note, the antenna 108 may be used for communication. In the firstembodiment, a case when NFC is used as the close proximity wirelesscommunication unit 104 is described, but wireless communication based ona Bluetooth (registered trademark) specification may be also used.

A CPU (central processing unit) 105 operates by power supplied via theconverting unit 111 from an external power source, and can control eachcomponent of the power transmission apparatus 100 by executing one ormore programs stored in a first memory 106. For example, the CPU 105controls to supply power to the electronic device 200 by controlling thepower transmission circuit 102. The CPU 105 controls communication withthe electronic device 200 by controlling the close proximity wirelesscommunication unit 104 and a wireless communication unit 115. The CPU105 makes a request for device authentication and a request to obtaincharge information to the electronic device 200 by controlling the closeproximity wireless communication unit 104. The CPU 105 establishes awireless communication connection by controlling the wirelesscommunication unit 115, and performs transmission and reception of dataof images and audio stored in a storage medium 114, for example, withthe electronic device 200. In addition, the CPU 105 detects that theelectronic device 200 has moved within a predetermined range or hasmoved outside the predetermined range (ceasing to exist in thepredetermined range) by controlling the device detection unit 116.

In addition, the CPU 105 obtains from the electronic device 200 deviceinformation including information about the electronic device 200 andstatus information including information indicating a status of theelectronic device 200 by controlling the close proximity wirelesscommunication unit 104 or the wireless communication unit 115. Thedevice information is information about a manufacturer name, a productname, a product model number, identification information, a serialnumber, and supported functions of the electronic device 200. Statusinformation includes charge information of the electronic device 200.Further status information includes the existence or absence of anupdate of data in a storage medium 211, an enabled or disabled settingstatus of a close proximity wireless communication unit 204, an enabledor disabled setting status of a wireless communication unit 214, anexistence or absence of the storage medium 211 and an opened or closedstatus of a lid of a storage unit therefor, and an existence or absenceof a battery 210, and an opened or closed status of a lid of a storageunit therefor.

The first memory 106 stores one or more programs for controlling eachcomponent of the power transmission apparatus 100. The one or moreprograms stored in the first memory 106 are executed by the CPU 105. Inaddition, the first memory 106 stores image data of menus or the likethat a display unit 112 is caused to display.

A second memory 107 is rewritable memory and stores information ofcontrol parameters related to each component of the power transmissionapparatus 100, and information received from the electronic device 200by the close proximity wireless communication unit 104. The antenna 108is an antenna for outputting power generated by the power transmissioncircuit 102 to the exterior. The power transmission circuit 102 suppliespower to the electronic device 200 via the antenna 108. A timer 109measures the current time, and a time related to an operation or aprocess performed in the power transmission apparatus 100. Measuredvalues are stored in a register in the timer 109. A threshold value fora time measured by the timer 109 is stored in the first memory 106 inadvance.

An instruction input unit 110 provides the user interface to input auser instruction into the power transmission apparatus 100. Theinstruction input unit 110 comprises a power button that turns a powersource of the power transmission apparatus 100 ON or OFF, a modeswitching button that switches the operation mode of the powertransmission apparatus 100, or the like, and each button is configuredby a switch, a touch panel, or the like. The CPU 105 controls the powertransmission apparatus 100 according to user instructions inputted viathe instruction input unit 110. Note, the instruction input unit 110 mayreceive an instruction from a remote controller. In that case, the CPU105 controls the power transmission apparatus 100 according to aninstruction received from a remote controller.

The converting unit 111 converts alternating current power supplied fromthe external power source into the direct current power, and suppliesthe converted direct current power to each component of the powertransmission apparatus 100 if it is connected between the external powersource (for example, an alternating-current power supply) and the powertransmission apparatus 100. The display unit 112 displays displaycontent generated by the CPU 105. The display unit 112 comprises adisplay panel that is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organicEL panel, or the like, and a display control unit to control displayingin the display panel. An LED unit 113 comprises a light emitting diode,and notifies a user, by illumination control being performed by the CPU105, that communication is being performed by control of the closeproximity wireless communication unit 104, and that power is beingoutputted by control of the power transmission circuit 102. The storagemedium 114 is a storage medium for storing image data or audio data, andin the first embodiment, it is configured by a flash memory, an HDD(hard disk drive), or the like. Note that the storage medium 114 is notlimited to these elements, and for example a detachable type flashmemory may be used.

The wireless communication unit 115 comprises a communication processingcircuit for performing wireless communication and an antenna. Thewireless communication unit 115 is a processing block for performing acommunication process conforming to, for example, a wireless LAN (localarea network) specification and an LTE (Long Term Evolution)specification.

The device detection unit 116 detects whether or not the electronicdevice 200 exists in a detectable range (corresponding to thepredetermined range) by a sensor of the device detection unit 116. Forexample, the device detection unit 116 can be configured by a sensorsuch as a piezoelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a photo reflectoror an inductive sensor. Alternatively, configuration may be taken suchthat the device detection unit 116 causes power for detection to beoutput from the power transmission circuit 102, to detect the existenceof the electronic device 200 by capturing a change in impedance due to achange in the current and voltage thereof. Configuration may be taken soas to detect the electronic device 200 by whether enabling communicationof the close proximity wireless communication unit 104 or not instead ofthe device detection unit 116.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, explanation will be given for componentsthat the electronic device 200 comprises.

In the electronic device 200, an antenna 201 is an antenna for receivingpower supplied from the power transmission apparatus 100. The electronicdevice 200 receives power from the power transmission apparatus 100 viathe antenna 201. A matching circuit 202 comprises a resonance circuitfor performing an impedance matching so that the antenna 201 resonatesat the same frequency as the resonance frequency f of the powertransmission apparatus 100. The matching circuit 202 comprises acapacitor, a coil and a resistor similarly to the matching circuit 103,and configuration is taken such that the antenna 201 resonates at thesame frequency as the resonance frequency f of the power transmissionapparatus 100. The matching circuit 202 supplies power received via theantenna 201 to a rectifying and smoothing circuit 203. The matchingcircuit 202 supplies as a request some of power received via the antenna201 to the close proximity wireless communication unit 204 left as analternating current waveform. The rectifying and smoothing circuit 203removes the request and noise from power received via the antenna 201,generates direct current power, and supplies the generated directcurrent power to a power source control unit 208. Note, the rectifyingand smoothing circuit 203 comprises diodes for rectification, andgenerates the direct current power by either one of full waverectification and half wave rectification.

The close proximity wireless communication unit 204 is a hardware blockconfigured by an antenna and a communication processing circuit forperforming close proximity wireless communication. The close proximitywireless communication unit 204 performs communications that conform toan NFC standard, for example. Note that in the first embodiment a casein which NFC is used is described, but wireless communication based on aBluetooth standard may also be used. The antenna 201 may also be usedfor communication of the close proximity wireless communication unit204. The close proximity wireless communication unit 204 has a memory204 a for storing data. A CPU (central processing unit) 205 can read andwrite data by accessing the memory 204 a. For example, the memory 204 ais managed by addresses, and the CPU 205 or the power transmissionapparatus 100 can perform reading and writing of data to the memory 204a by designating a data size and an address at which access is desired.The memory 204 a can be accessed by the close proximity wirelesscommunication unit 104 in NFC communication with the power transmissionapparatus 100. When the memory 204 a is accessed from the powertransmission apparatus 100, an interrupt notification is made to the CPU205, and thereby the CPU 205 can recognize that the memory 204 a isaccessed from outside.

The CPU 205 by executing one or more programs stored in a first memory206, can control each component of the electronic device 200. Forexample, the CPU 205, by controlling the power source control unit 208and a charge control unit 209, supplies power supplied from the powertransmission apparatus 100 to each component of the electronic device200 to charge the battery 210. The CPU 205 performs communications bycontrolling the close proximity wireless communication unit 204 and thewireless communication unit 214. The CPU 205 can transmit a response toa device authentication request, and transmit a response to a chargeinformation request. The CPU 205 establishes a wireless communicationconnection with the power transmission apparatus 100 by the wirelesscommunication unit 214 using information obtained via a close proximitywireless communication between the close proximity wirelesscommunication unit 204 and the close proximity wireless communicationunit 104. The CPU 205 uses the wireless communication for which theconnection is established to transmit data such as images, audio, andthe like stored in the storage medium 211, for example, to the powertransmission apparatus 100, and to receive various data from the powertransmission apparatus 100.

The first memory 206 stores one or more programs for controlling eachcomponent of the electronic device 200. Device information includingvarious information related to the electronic device 200 is also storedin the first memory 206. The one or more programs stored in the firstmemory 206 are executed by the CPU 205.

A second memory 207 is a rewritable memory, and stores information suchas control parameters related to each component of the electronic device200, and information transmitted from the power transmission apparatus100. The power source control unit 208 is configured from a switchingregulator, a linear regulator, or the like and supplies direct currentpower, which is supplied from either the rectifying and smoothingcircuit 203 or an external power source, to each component of theelectronic device 200 such as the charge control unit 209.

The charge control unit 209 charges the battery 210 in accordance withpower supplied from the power source control unit 208. The chargecontrol unit 209 periodically detects the charge status of the battery210 connected to the electronic device 200, and stores it in the secondmemory 207 as charge information which includes information indicatingthe charge status of the battery 210.

The battery 210 is a chargeable secondary battery, and is removable fromthe electronic device 200. The battery 210 is, for example, a lithiumion battery or the like. The battery 210 supplies power to eachcomponent of the electronic device 200 in a case in which there is nopower supply via the power source control unit 208, or the like. Forexample, in a case when power transmitted from the power transmissionapparatus 100 is set to be low during communication of the wirelesscommunication unit 115, and in a case when power supplied from the powertransmission apparatus 100 is stopped, power is supplied to each of thecomponents of the electronic device 200 from the battery 210. There is alid on a storage unit of the battery 210, and an opened or closed statusof the lid is notified to the CPU 205 from the storage unit of thebattery 210.

The storage medium 211 is a storage medium for storing image data oraudio data, and is configured by a flash memory or an HDD (hard diskdrive). The storage medium 211 may be a detachable type flash memory. Ifthe storage medium 211 is of a detachable type, there is a lid on thestorage unit of the storage medium 211, and an opened or closed statusof the lid is notified to the CPU 205. Note that when the CPU 205updates the data of the storage medium 211, information of “existence orabsence of a data update” which is one kind of status information ischanged to “there is an update”. The CPU 205 changes the information of“existence or absence of a data update” to “no update” in a case when ithas completed transferring data of the storage medium 211 to the powertransmission apparatus 100.

An instruction input unit 212 provides the user interface to input auser instruction into the electronic device 200. The instruction inputunit 212 comprises a power button that turns a power source of theelectronic device 200 ON or OFF, a mode switching button that switchesthe operation mode of the electronic device 200, or the like, and eachbutton is configured by a switch, a touch panel, or the like. The CPU205 controls the electronic device 200 according to user instructionsinputted via the instruction input unit 212. Note, the instruction inputunit 212 may control the electronic device 200 according to aninstruction received from a remote controller. A user can select whetheror not to enable the close proximity wireless communication unit 204 byinputting an instruction to the instruction input unit 212 while viewinga menu displayed on a display unit 213. Similarly, a user can selectwhether or not to enable the wireless communication unit 214 byinputting an instruction to the instruction input unit 212 while viewinga menu displayed on the display unit 213. In a case when it is selectedto enable or disable the wireless communication unit 214, the CPU 205updates status information to update information for indicating whetherthe wireless communication unit 214 is enabled or disabled.

The display unit 213 comprises a liquid crystal panel or an organic ELpanel. The display unit 213 is configured in a vari-angle movable form,or the like. The wireless communication unit 214 is configured by acommunication processing circuit for performing wireless communicationand an antenna. The wireless communication unit 214 can perform wirelesscommunication that conforms to a wireless LAN standard, for example.

An image capture unit 215 comprises an optical lens, a CMOS sensor, adigital image processing unit, or the like, and is a processing blockfor obtaining a captured image by converting an analog signal inputtedvia an optical lens into digital data. The captured image obtained bythe image capture unit 215 is stored in the second memory 207, andprocessed based on the control of the CPU 205. For example, a capturedimage stored in the second memory 207 is stored in the storage medium211, and is transmitted to an external apparatus using the wirelesscommunication unit 214. Also, the image capture unit 215 comprises alens control unit, and based on an instruction from the CPU 205, controlsuch as zooming, focusing, and aperture adjustment is performed.

Note that the antenna 108 and the antenna 201 may be helical antennasand may be loop antennas, and may be planar antennas such as meanderline antennas.

In the first embodiment, the wireless power transmission between thepower transmission apparatus 100 and the electronic device 200 suppliespower wirelessly to the electronic device 200 from the powertransmission apparatus 100 by resonant magnetic coupling or resonantelectric field coupling. However, a wireless power transmission methodin the first embodiment, and in a later described second embodiment isnot limited to a method that uses resonant magnetic coupling or resonantelectric field coupling, and for example may be a method in which poweris supplied wirelessly to the electronic device 200 from the powertransmission apparatus 100 by electric field coupling. Alternatively, itmay be a method by which power is supplied wirelessly from the powertransmission apparatus 100 to the electronic device 200 byelectromagnetic induction.

In the first embodiment, the power transmission apparatus 100 suppliespower wirelessly to the electronic device 200, and the electronic device200 receives power wirelessly from the power transmission apparatus 100.However, in the first embodiment and other embodiments, “wirelessly” maybe reworded as “no-contact” or “non-contact”.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for illustrating a procedure to be performed inthe power transmission apparatus 100.

In step S301, the CPU 105 performs a device detection process fordetecting whether or not the electronic device 200 moved within thepredetermined range in which it can be detected based on the detectionresult of the electronic device 200 by the device detection unit 116.Note that the predetermined range is a range in which it is possible todetect the electronic device 200 by the device detection unit 116, andthe CPU 105 detects the electronic device 200 by controlling the devicedetection unit 116. Alternatively, configuration may be taken such thatthe electronic device 200 moving into the predetermined range (beingpresent) is detected in accordance with close proximity wirelesscommunication by the close proximity wireless communication unit 104being possible. In such a case, the CPU 105 detects the electronicdevice 200 by controlling the close proximity wireless communicationunit 104 to transmit a request for polling in order to detect a deviceperiodically, and receiving a response. For example, if NFCcommunication is performed, the presence of the electronic device 200which is capable of NFC communication is detected by transmitting aSENS_REQ command and a receiving a SENS_RES response. After the devicedetection process of the electronic device 200 is performed, the CPU 105advances from step S301 to step S302.

In step S302, the CPU 105 determines whether or not it was possible todetect the electronic device 200 in the device detection process of stepS301. The CPU 105 advances from step S302 to step S303 if the electronicdevice 200 can be detected in the device detection process (YES in stepS302). On the other hand, the CPU 105 returns from step S302 to stepS301 and repeats the above-described processes (step S301 and step S302)if the electronic device 200 is not detected in the device detectionprocess (NO in step S302).

In step S303, the CPU 105 controls the close proximity wirelesscommunication unit 104 to perform an authentication process with thedetected electronic device 200.

In step S304, the CPU 105 obtains from the electronic device 200 NDEF(NFC Data Exchange Format) data including device information and statusinformation by controlling the close proximity wireless communicationunit 104. Note that the device information and the status information isstored in the memory 204 a that the close proximity wirelesscommunication unit 204 of the electronic device 200 comprises (step S603of FIG. 6).

In step S305, the CPU 105 compares an identification information IDaobtained as device information in step S304 and identificationinformation IDb stored in the second memory 107. Though described later,the identification information IDb which is stored in the second memory107 indicates an electronic device which moved from within thepredetermined range to outside of the predetermined range during a datatransfer process using the wireless communication unit 115. Accordingly,by comparing the identification information IDa and the identificationinformation IDb, the CPU 105 can determine whether or not the electronicdevice 200 detected in step S301 is the same electronic device as theelectronic device which moved from within the predetermined range tooutside of the predetermined range during a data transfer process usingthe wireless communication unit 115. Note that hereinafter, theelectronic device 200 detected in step S301 is determined as a sameelectronic device 200A when it is determined that the identificationinformation IDa and the identification information IDb are the same, andthe electronic device 200 detected in step S301 is determined as adifferent electronic device 200B when it is determined that theidentification information IDa and the identification information IDbare different. The CPU 105 advances from step S305 to step S306 if theelectronic device 200 detected in step S301 is determined as the sameelectronic device 200A (YES in step S305). On the other hand, if theelectronic device detected in step S301 is determined as the differentelectronic device 200B (NO in step S305), the CPU 105 advances from stepS305 to step S307.

In step S306, the CPU 105 performs a process (including a data transferprocess and a wireless power supply process) for a case when theelectronic device 200 detected in step S301 is determined as the sameelectronic device 200A. Details of the process to be performed in stepS306 are later described using FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. When the process ofstep S306 completes, the CPU 105 advances to step S308.

In step S307, the CPU 105 performs a process (including a data transferprocess and a wireless power supply process) for a case when theelectronic device 200 detected in step S301 is determined as thedifferent electronic device 200B. Details of the process to be performedin step S307 are later described using FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. When theprocess of step S307 completes, the CPU 105 advances to step S308.

In step S308, the CPU 105 initiates a timer measurement by controllingthe timer 109. This timer value (hereinafter referred to as timer valueT1) is stored in a register within the timer 109. After that, the CPU105 completes the procedure illustrated in FIG. 3. Note that the timer109 performs a timer measurement irrespective of the operation of theCPU 105, and stores a measured value (the timer value T1) in a register.Because the processes of step S306 and step S307 terminate by theelectronic device 200 moving outside of the predetermined range, thetimer value T1 of the timer activated in step S308 indicates an elapsedperiod from which the electronic device 200 moved outside of thepredetermined range.

In FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, a process (corresponding to the process of stepS306) to be performed when the electronic device 200 detected in stepS301 is determined as the same electronic device 200A is illustrated.

In step S401, the CPU 105 stores in the second memory 107 the timervalue T1 (an elapsed period from when an electronic device moved out ofthe predetermined range) stored in a register of the timer 109, andcompares the timer value T1 with a timer reference value Tc stored inthe second memory 107. If the timer value T1 is larger than thereference value Tc (YES in step S401), the CPU 105 advances from stepS401 to step S403. On the other hand, if the timer value T1 is less thanor equal to the reference value Tc (YES in step S401), the CPU 105advances from step S401 to step S402.

In step S402, the CPU 105 controls the display unit 112 and the LED unit113 to notify a user that the same electronic device 200A was detected.Note that by the above described process, if a predetermined period (Tc)passed since an electronic device left the predetermined range, it isnot notified that the same electronic device 200A was detected even ifthe electronic device 200 detected in step S301 is determined as thesame electronic device 200A. Thereafter the CPU 105 advances from stepS402 to step S403.

In step S403, the CPU 105 determines whether or not a previous datatransfer process is in progress. If data is received from the electronicdevice 200A via the wireless communication unit 115, the CPU 105determines that the previous data transfer process is in progress. Also,if data is transmitted to the electronic device 200A via the wirelesscommunication unit 115, the CPU 105 determines that the previous datatransfer process is in progress. If the previous data transfer processis in progress (YES in step S403), the CPU 105 advances from step S403to step S404. On the other hand, if the previous data transfer processis not in progress (NO in step S403), the CPU 105 advances from stepS403 to step S408.

In step S404, the CPU 105 controls the display unit 112 and the LED unit113 to notify a user that the previous data transfer process with theelectronic device 200 detected in step S301 is currently performed.Thereafter the CPU 105 advances from step S404 to step S410. With this,the CPU 105 causes the previous data transfer process that is currentlyperformed to continue, waits for completion of the previous datatransfer process, and initiates a wireless power transmission process(NO in step S411, YES in step S412, and step S405).

In step S408, the CPU 105 determines, using status information obtainedvia the close proximity wireless communication unit 104 or the wirelesscommunication unit 115 from the electronic device 200A, whether or notthere is no problem in performing a new data transfer process (otherthan the previous data transfer process) via the wireless communicationunit 115. For the status information, for example, the existence orabsence of an update of data stored in the storage medium 211, anenabled or disabled setting status of the wireless communication unit214, the existence or absence of the storage medium 211, and an openedor closed status for the lid of the storage unit of the storage medium211 can be considered. If data stored in the storage medium 211 is notupdated, the wireless communication unit 214 is set to be disabled,there is no storage medium 211, or the lid of the storage unit of thestorage medium 211 is open, there is a problem in performing the newdata transfer process via the wireless communication unit 115. If thereis no problem in performing the new data transfer process via thewireless communication unit 115 (YES in step S408), the CPU 105 advancesfrom step S408 to step S409. If there is a problem in performing the newdata transfer process via the wireless communication unit 115 (NO instep S408), the CPU 105 advances from step S408 to step S405. In stepS405, the CPU 105 initiates a power transmission process.

In this way, if the same electronic device 200A is detected and theelectronic device 200A is not in a data transmission or receptionprocess, status information is inspected and it is determined whether ornot the new data transfer process is prepared to perform. Then, if it isdetermined from the status information that the new data transferprocess is not prepared to perform, the power transmission process ofstep S405 is initiated. If it is determined from the status informationthat the new data transfer process is prepared to perform, the new datatransfer process is performed in step S410, and the completion of thenew data transfer process is waited, and then a power transmissionprocess is initiated. Here, the case where it is determined that the newdata transfer process is prepared to perform is a case where it isdetermined from the status information that data to be transferred(e.g., updated data) exists in the storage medium 211 or the electronicdevice 200 is in a state that the new electronic device 200 can storedata in the storage medium 211.

Steps S405 through S407 are related to the power transmission process.Firstly, in step S405, the CPU 105 controls the close proximity wirelesscommunication unit 104 or the wireless communication unit 115 to obtainNDEF data including status information and charge information. The CPU105 initiates wireless power transmission (hereinafter referred to aswireless power supply) to the electronic device 200A via the matchingcircuit 103 and the antenna 108 by controlling the power transmissioncircuit 102 after obtaining information (status information, chargeinformation) related to wireless power transmission from the electronicdevice 200A. Thereafter the CPU 105 advances from step S405 to stepS406.

In step S406, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the electronicdevice 200A moves out of the predetermined range. For example, the CPU105 detects whether or not the electronic device 200A moved out of thepredetermined range by controlling the device detection unit 116.Alternatively, configuration may be taken such that the CPU 105 detectswhether or not the electronic device 200A moved out of the predeterminedrange by causing the close proximity wireless communication unit 104 totransmit a request for polling in order to detect the electronic device200A periodically, and receiving a response. For example, if it is NFCcommunication, it is possible to perform an NDEF data read to determinewhether or not NDEF data can be read, and whether or not the electronicdevice 200A moved out of the predetermined range. The CPU 105 advancesfrom step S406 to step S414 in the case when it is detected that theelectronic device 200A moves out of the predetermined range (YES in stepS406). On the other hand, the CPU 105 advances from step S406 to stepS407 in the case when the electronic device 200A does not move out ofpredetermined range (NO in step S406).

In step S407, the CPU 105 determines whether or not a state in whichcharging is unnecessary is entered from charge information obtained fromthe electronic device 200A. The state in which charging is unnecessaryis a state in which, for example, the battery 210 became fully charged,or an error state such as where the battery 210 is removed from theelectronic device 200A. If it is determined that the state is such thatcharging is unnecessary (YES in step S407), the CPU 105 returns fromstep S407 to step S406. On the other hand, if it is determined that thestate is such that charging is necessary (NO in step S407), the CPU 105returns from step S407 to step S405 and continues the wireless powertransmission. Note that in the first embodiment, it is assumed thatpulse charging, where a transmission state in which a transmission fromthe power transmission circuit 102 is performed and an idle state inwhich transmission is idle are repeated periodically, is performed andit is assumed that a charge by one pulse or a predetermined number ofpulses is executed every time the process of step S405 is executed.Accordingly, after determining that charging is unnecessary in stepS407, the wireless power supply terminates by not returning to stepS405. However, if the power transmission circuit 102 is configured tocontinuously execute transmission, a process for stopping transmissionof the power transmission circuit 102 in a case when it is determinedthat charging is unnecessary becomes necessary in step S407.

On the other hand, in step S408, if it is determined from the statusinformation that the new data transfer process (other than the previousdata transfer process) is prepared to perform, communication control forestablishing communication with the electronic device 200A by thewireless communication unit 115 and performing the new data transferprocess is initiated. Firstly, in step S409, the CPU 105 transmits orreceives by an NDEF data format pairing information for making aconnection between the wireless communication unit 115 and the wirelesscommunication unit 214 of the electronic device 200A by controlling theclose proximity wireless communication unit 104. The pairing informationis an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a password, a channel, an SSID(Service Set Identifier), or the like. The CPU 105 uses the pairinginformation obtained from the electronic device 200A to establish aconnection between the wireless communication unit 115 and the wirelesscommunication unit 214 of the electronic device 200A. Thereafter the CPU105 advances from step S409 to step S410.

When the CPU 105 advances from step S409 to step S410, the CPU 105, bycontrolling the wireless communication unit 115, initiates the new datatransfer process with the electronic device 200A via the wirelesscommunication established in step S409. In the new data transferprocess, data stored in the storage medium 211 of the electronic device200A is obtained and stored in the storage medium 114, or data stored inthe storage medium 114 is transmitted to the electronic device 200A.

When the CPU 105 advances from step S404 to step S410, the CPU 105continues the previous data transfer process using the wirelesscommunication unit 115.

In step S411, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the electronicdevice 200A moves out of the predetermined range. Note that the processperformed in step S411 is similar to the process performed in step S406.The CPU 105 advances from step S411 to step S413 in the case when it isdetected that the electronic device 200A moves out of the predeterminedrange (YES in step S411). On the other hand, the CPU 105 advances fromstep S411 to step S412 in the case when the electronic device 200A doesnot move out of the predetermined range (NO in step S411).

In step S412, the CPU 105 determines whether or not transmission orreception of data is completed. If the transmission or reception of datais completed (YES in step S412), the CPU 105 advances from step S412 tostep S405, and initiates a wireless power supply process. On the otherhand, if the transmission or reception of data is not completed (NO instep S412), the CPU 105 returns from step S412 to step S410, andcontinues the previous or new data transfer process using the wirelesscommunication unit 115.

In step S413, the CPU 105 stores the identification information IDaobtained from the device information as the identification informationIDb in the second memory 107 in order to use it in the process of stepS305.

In step S414, the CPU 105 compares the timer value T1 stored in thesecond memory 107 and the timer reference value Tc stored in the secondmemory 107. If the timer value T1 is larger than the reference value Tc(YES in step S414), the CPU 105 advances from step S414 to step S415. Onthe other hand, if the timer value T1 is the reference value Tc or less(NO in step S414), the CPU 105 causes the process illustrated in FIG. 4Aand FIG. 4B to terminate.

In step S415, the CPU 105 controls the display unit 112 and the LED unit113 to notify the user that the electronic device 200A moved out of thepredetermined range. After that, the CPU 105 causes the processillustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B to terminate.

Note that in the above described procedure, step S408 begins if it isdetermined that the previous data transfer process is not in progress instep S403. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Forexample, configuration may be taken to cause the transmission of powerto be initiated in accordance with the previous data transfer processcompleting if the same electronic device 200A is detected. Thisprocessing is realized by making the destination of the NO branch ofstep S403 to be step S405.

Next, using the flowchart of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, a process(corresponding to the process of step S307) to be performed when theelectronic device 200 detected in step S301 is determined as thedifferent electronic device 200B is described.

In step S501, the CPU 105 controls the display unit 112 and the LED unit113 to notify a user that the different electronic device 200B wasdetected.

In step S502, the CPU 105 determines, using status information obtainedvia the close proximity wireless communication unit 104 or the wirelesscommunication unit 115 from the electronic device 200B, whether or notthere is no problem in performing a new data transfer process via thewireless communication unit 115. For example, the CPU 105 determineswhether or not data to be transferred (e.g., updated data) exists in thestorage medium 211 and the electronic device 200B is in a state in whichthe new data transfer process can be performed. Note that the processperformed in step S502 is similar to the process performed in step S408.If there is no problem in performing the new data transfer process viathe wireless communication unit 115 (YES in step S502), the CPU 105advances from step S502 to step S503. On the other hand, if there is aproblem in performing the new data transfer process via the wirelesscommunication unit 115 (NO in step S502), the CPU 105 advances from stepS502 to step S514. In step S514, the CPU 105 initiates a powertransmission process (i.e., wireless power supply).

In step S503, the CPU 105 determines whether or not a previous datatransfer process is currently performed via the wireless communicationunit 115 with an electronic device other than the electronic device 200.Note that the process performed in step S503 is similar to the processperformed in step S403. However, in the case of step S503, theelectronic device other than the electronic device 200B performs theprevious data transfer process. If transmission or reception of datawith the electronic device other than the electronic device 200B isoccurring (YES in step S503), the CPU 105 advances from step S503 tostep S504. On the other hand, if transmission or reception of data withthe electronic device other than the electronic device 200B is notoccurring (NO in step S503), the CPU 105 advances from step S503 to stepS508 in order to perform the new data transfer process with theelectronic device 200B.

In step S504, the CPU 105 controls the display unit 112 and the LED unit113 to notify that the data transmission or reception is currentlyperformed with an electronic device other than the electronic device 200detected in step S301. Then the CPU 105 advances from step S504 to stepS505.

In step S505, the CPU 105 determines whether or not a WiFi pairingprocess is possible in addition to the previous data transfer processthat is currently performed. For example, the CPU 105 confirms whetherthere is surplus channels or bandwidth that the wireless communicationunit 115 can use, and if it is possible to additionally activate anaccess point in a case where it activates one itself. The CPU 105determines whether or not a WiFi pairing process between the wirelesscommunication unit 115 and the wireless communication unit 214 of theelectronic device 200B is possible by this confirmation. If the pairingprocess with the electronic device 200B is available (YES in step S505),the CPU 105 advances from step S505 to step S506. On the other hand, ifthe pairing process with the electronic device 200B is not available (NOin step S505), the CPU 105 advances from step S505 to step S514. In stepS514, the CPU 105 initiates the wireless power supply to the electronicdevice 200B.

In step S506, the CPU 105 obtains a remaining amount of the battery 210from the charge information of the electronic device 200B, and comparesthe remaining amount obtained from the second memory 107 with thereference value Vb. If the remaining amount of the battery 210 is largerthan the reference value Vb (YES in step S506), the CPU 105 advancesfrom step S506 to step S507. On the other hand, if the remaining amountof the battery 210 is equal to or less that the reference value Vb (NOin step S506), the CPU 105 advances from step S506 to step S514. In stepS514, the CPU 105 initiates the wireless power supply to the electronicdevice 200B.

In step S507, the CPU 105 compares an estimated remaining time T2 untilthe previous data transfer process that is currently performed willcomplete and a reference time Ts stored in the second memory 107. If theremaining time T2 is larger than the reference time Ts (YES in stepS507), the CPU 105 advances from step S507 to step S514. In step S514,the CPU 105 initiates the wireless power supply to the electronic device200B. On the other hand, if the remaining time T2 is equal to or lessthan the reference time Ts (NO in step S507), the CPU 105 advances fromstep S507 to step S508. In step S508, the CPU 105 initiates the new datatransfer process with the electronic device 200B.

In step S508, the CPU 105 transmits/receives by NDEF data format pairinginformation for making a connection between the wireless communicationunit 115 and the wireless communication unit 214 of the electronicdevice 200B by controlling the close proximity wireless communicationunit 104. Then, the CPU 105 uses the pairing information obtained fromthe electronic device 200B to establish a connection between thewireless communication unit 115 and the wireless communication unit 214of the electronic device 200B. This WiFi pairing process is the sameprocess as in step S409. The CPU 105 advances from step S508 to stepS509.

In step S509, the CPU 105 performs the new data transfer process via thewireless communication unit 115 using the connection established withthe electronic device 200B. For example, the CPU 105 controls thewireless communication unit 115 to obtain data stored in the storagemedium 211 of the electronic device 200B and store it in the storagemedium 114, or to transmit data stored in the storage medium 114 to theelectronic device 200B. Note that the process performed in step S509 issimilar to the process performed in step S410.

In step S510, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the electronicdevice 200B moved out of the predetermined range by controlling thedevice detection unit 116. Note that the process performed in step S510is similar to the process performed in step S406. The CPU 105 advancesfrom step S510 to step S513 in the case when it is detected that theelectronic device 200B moves out of the predetermined range (YES in stepS510). On the other hand, the CPU 105 advances from step S510 to stepS511 in the case when the electronic device 200B does not move out ofthe predetermined range (NO in step S510).

In step S511, the CPU 105 determines whether or not transmission orreception of data is completed. Note that the process performed in stepS511 is similar to the process performed in step S412. If thetransmission or reception of data is completed (YES in step S511), theCPU 105 advances from step S511 to step S512. On the other hand, if thetransmission or reception of data in not completed (NO in step S511),the CPU 105 returns from step S511 to step S509.

In step S512, the CPU 105 clears the value of the identificationinformation IDb stored in the second memory 107. Thereafter the CPU 105advances from step S512 to step S514. In step S514, the CPU 105initiates the wireless power supply to the electronic device 200B. Ifthe electronic device 200B leaves the predetermined range during thewireless power supply, the CPU 105, in step S513, stores in the secondmemory 107 the identification information IDa obtained from the deviceinformation as the identification information IDb. Thereafter the CPU105 advances from step S513 to step S517.

If the wireless power supply to the electronic device 200B is initiated,the CPU 105, in step S514, controls the close proximity wirelesscommunication unit 104 or the wireless communication unit 115 to obtainNDEF data including status information and charge information. The CPU105 performs power transmission wirelessly to the electronic device 200Bvia the matching circuit 103 and the antenna 108 by controlling thepower transmission circuit 102 after obtaining information (statusinformation, charge information) related to wireless power transmissionfrom the electronic device 200B. Note that the process performed in stepS514 is similar to the process performed in step S405.

In step S515, the CPU 105 determines whether or not the electronicdevice 200B moved out of the predetermined range by controlling thedevice detection unit 116. Note that the process performed in step S515is similar to the process performed in step S406. The CPU 105 advancesfrom step S515 to step S517 in the case when it is detected that theelectronic device 200B moves out of the predetermined range (YES in stepS515). On the other hand, the CPU 105 advances from step S515 to stepS516 in the case when the electronic device 200B does not move out ofthe predetermined range (NO in step S515).

In step S516, the CPU 105 determines whether or not a state in whichcharging is unnecessary is entered from charge information obtained fromthe electronic device 200B. Note that the process performed in step S516is similar to the process performed in step S407. The CPU 105 stopstransmission according to the power transmission circuit 102 byreturning from step S516 to step S515 if it is determined that a statein which charging is unnecessary was entered (YES in step S516). On theother hand, if it a state in which charging is necessary (NO in stepS516), the CPU 105 causes transmission by the power transmission circuit102 to continue by returning from step S516 to step S514. In step S517,the CPU 105 controls the display unit 112 and the LED unit 113 to notifythe user that the electronic device 200B moved out of the predeterminedrange. After that, the CPU 105 causes the process illustrated in FIG. 5Ato FIG. 5B to terminate.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating a procedure to be performed inthe electronic device 200.

In step S601, the CPU 205 determines whether or not a communication isreceived from the power transmission apparatus 100 via the closeproximity wireless communication unit 204. For example, the CPU 205receives a request such as a SENS_REQ request. In a case when acommunication is received from the power transmission apparatus 100 (YESin step S601), the CPU 205 advances from step S601 to step S602. In acase when a communication is not received from the power transmissionapparatus 100 (NO in step S601), the CPU 205 repeats step S601.

In step S602, the CPU 205 performs an authentication process bycontrolling the close proximity wireless communication unit 204.

In step S603, the CPU 205 stores in the second memory 207 deviceinformation stored in the first memory 206 in advance. The CPU 205stores in the memory 204 a the device information and statusinformation. In addition, when a read request is received from theelectronic device 200, the CPU 205 controls the close proximity wirelesscommunication unit 204 to notify NDEF information including the deviceinformation and the status information stored in the memory 204 a to thepower transmission apparatus 100. When a write request is received fromthe electronic device 200, CPU 205 stores in the second memory 207 theNDEF data stored in the memory 204 a by controlling the close proximitywireless communication unit 204. Note that configuration may be takensuch that the close proximity wireless communication unit 204 and theclose proximity wireless communication unit 104 operate autonomouslywithout respective control from the CPU 205 or the CPU 105, to performcommunication of the above described information. The CPU 205 advancesfrom step S603 to step S604.

In step S604, the CPU 205 determines whether or not the information ofthe NDEF format received in step S603 is pairing information forperforming a connection between the wireless communication unit 214 andthe wireless communication unit 115 of the power transmission apparatus100. If there is pairing information (YES in step S604), the CPU 205advances from step S604 to step S605. If there is no pairing information(NO in step S604), the CPU 205 advances from step S604 to step S608.

In step S605, the CPU 205 uses pairing information obtained from thepower transmission apparatus 100 to establish a WiFi connection betweenthe wireless communication unit 214 and the wireless communication unit115 of the power transmission apparatus 100.

In step S606, the CPU 205 controls the wireless communication unit 214to initiate a data transfer process with the power transmissionapparatus 100. In the data transfer process, for example, data stored inthe storage medium 211 is transmitted to the power transmissionapparatus 100 via the wireless communication unit 214. Alternatively,data stored in the storage medium 114 is received from the powertransmission apparatus 100 via the wireless communication unit 214, andis stored in the storage medium 211.

In step S607, the CPU 205 determines whether or not the data transferprocess is completed. If the data transfer process is completed (YES instep S607), the CPU 205 advances from step S607 to step S608. On theother hand, if the data transfer process is not completed (NO in stepS607), the CPU 205 returns from step S607 to step S606, and allows thedata transfer process to continue.

Meanwhile, if in step S604 it is determined that there is no pairinginformation, the CPU 205 in step S608 determines whether or not the NDEFinformation stored in the memory 204 a is information related towireless power transmission. If there is information related to wirelesspower transmission (YES in step S608), the CPU 205 advances from stepS608 to step S609. On the other hand, if there is no information relatedto the wireless power transmission (NO in step S608), the CPU 205completes the procedure illustrated in FIG. 6. Alternatively,configuration may be taken such that clearance processing and otherprocessing specified by the NDEF information such as a URI notificationis performed.

In step S609, the CPU 205 controls the power source control unit 208 andthe charge control unit 209 to charge the battery 210 via the antenna201, the matching circuit 202, and the rectifying and smoothing circuit203 with wireless power supplied from the power transmission apparatus100. The CPU 205 controls the charge control unit 209 to obtain chargeinformation including information indicating a remaining amount of thebattery 210 and store it in the second memory 207. Firstly, the CPU 205,by controlling the close proximity wireless communication unit 204 orthe wireless communication unit 214, transmits NDEF data including thestatus information and the charge information. The CPU 205 advances fromstep S609 to step S610.

Next, In step S610, the CPU 205 determines whether or not a state inwhich charging is unnecessary is entered from charge information storedin the second memory 207. The state in which charging is unnecessary isa state in which, for example, the battery 210 became fully charged, oran error state such as where the battery 210 is removed. If a state inwhich charging is unnecessary is entered (YES in step S610), the CPU 205causes the processing illustrated in FIG. 6 to terminate. In a case of astate in which charging is necessary (NO in step S610), the CPU 205returns from step S610 to step S609, and continues charging using powertransmission from the power transmission apparatus 100.

According to the above first embodiment, it is possible to performappropriate processing in accordance with the device detected during thedata transfer process. Note that configuration may be taken such that sothat the CPU 105 and the CPU 205 in the first embodiment are realized bydedicated hardwares.

Second Embodiment

Various functions, processes and methods explained in the firstembodiment can be realized by a personal computer, a microcomputer, aCPU (central processing unit) or the like using a program. Hereinafter,in the second embodiment, a personal computer, a microcomputer, a CPU(central processing unit) or the like are referred to as “computer X”.In the second embodiment, a program for controlling the computer X thatrealizes various functions, processes and methods explained in the firstembodiment is referred to as “program Y”.

The various functions, processes and methods explained in the firstembodiment are realized by the computer X executing the program Y. Insuch a case, the program Y is supplied to the computer X via acomputer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage mediumin the second embodiment includes at least one of a hard disk apparatus,a magnetic storage apparatus, an optical storage apparatus, amagneto-optical storage apparatus, a memory card, a volatile memory, anon-volatile memory, or the like. The computer-readable storage mediumin the second embodiment is a non-transitory storage medium.

While aspects of the present invention are described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the aspects of thepresent invention are not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Thescope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all modifications and equivalentstructures.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No.2015-175220, filed Sep. 4, 2015, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power transmission apparatus comprising: awireless power transmission unit that performs a power transmissionprocess; a wireless communication unit that performs a data transferprocess; and a control unit that (a) determines whether or not anexternal apparatus entered in a predetermined range is an apparatuswhich has left the predetermined range during the data transfer process,and (b) controls the power transmission process and the data transferprocess based on whether the external apparatus entered in thepredetermined range is the apparatus which has left the predeterminedrange during the data transfer process.
 2. The power transmissionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit uses deviceinformation obtained from the external apparatus to establish acommunication with the external apparatus.
 3. The power transmissionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined range is arange in which a close proximity wireless communication is possible. 4.The power transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when theexternal apparatus entered in the predetermined range is the apparatuswhich has left the predetermined range during the data transfer process,the control unit initiates the power transmission process after the datatransfer process is completed.
 5. The power transmission apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays apredetermined information when the external apparatus entered in thepredetermined range is the apparatus which has left the predeterminedrange during the data transfer process.